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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Am I Using the Chopsticks Right?

Am
I using the chopsticks right?This is not exactly a no-no question, but meal time
is definitely not the best timing. When people ask me this question while the
food is an inch away from my mouth, I just wish they would know better than to
ask me when my mouth is salivating for the deliciousness right in front.

Why
Not?First of all, I express my appreciation to those who
try to use chopsticks, and “excellent job” to those of you who continue trying!
I definitely recognize that there is a whole new world in those skinny
chopsticks. Mysteries and secrets reside within those bamboo sticks to those of
you who did not grow up using them (exaggeration).However, note that the skill of using chopsticks
elegantly and gracefully does not come right after any 5 minute tutorials. It
takes practice. Even for Asians (surprise). We used chopsticks three times every
day growing up just like you brushed your teeth every day and night since they
started growing. The good news is there are many Asians who choose spoons or forks over
chopsticks. There are many Asian children who are commanded by their parents to
learn chopsticks despite their reluctance.

The
Rightly WayIt's a myth. Okay. Fine. Maybe it's not a myth, but do
feel better when I tell you that even a lot of Asians don't use chopsticks the “right”
way. The image below is a beautiful Asian lady holding the chopsticks in perhaps “the
right way”.

The truth is I have been using chopsticks for decades, and I do not use it the same way as she does. Notice how she is holding at 1/3 of the way from the top? I hold the chopsticks at 1/3 of the way from the bottom. There are various ways of holding chopsticks. Therefore, the key thing to take away is to use it comfortably. After all, chopstick is a mean to eat. You are not tasting the chopsticks, you are eating what is in between them.